Sonographic classification of idiopathic clubfoot according to severity.

Abstract

Our purpose was to develop a sonographic technique for clubfoot examination using measured angles to establish a classification system according to severity. Ultrasonography of 24 newborns with 32 clubfeet and 13 newborns with 22 normal feet was performed and measurements obtained. Analysis of components of variance was conducted. Patients with clubfeet showed higher dispersion in 95% confidence intervals for all angles than did patients with normal feet. A sonographic classification system was established: IIa, slight clubfoot; IIb, moderate clubfoot; IIc, severe clubfoot; IId, very severe clubfoot. Sonographic findings can be used to objectively assess various degrees of clubfoot severity.